With Troops Gone, A Base Town Hibernates

"Few dispute that the fort is the primary economic engine for this sprawling desert town of 40,000 near the US-Mexico border... According to the US Department of Defense, approximately 60,000 troops are already in the Persian Gulf region, and the number is predicted to reach 250,000. From Hinesville, Ga., to Camp Pendleton, Calif., military towns such as this one battling to protect their local economies - and sense of community - as populations and customers dwindle."

Thanks to Laura Kranz